Once again, Istanbul has been the target and the victim of a terrible act of bloodshed. I am shocked by the events of New Year’s Eve on the Bosphorus.

Once again, innocent young people in Turkey who, like millions of others throughout the world, simply wanted to come together to have fun and enjoy seeing in the New Year have become victims of an appalling and cowardly attack.

We condemn this act and every form of terrorism in the strongest possible terms.

At this difficult time, we stand side by side with Turkey.

We offer the families and friends of the victims our heartfelt sympathy. I wish the many people who have been so badly injured a full and rapid recovery.